2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Cupressocyparis (Latin Cupressocyparis) - a hybrid obtained by crossing a cypress and a cypress belongs to the Cypress family. Currently widely cultivated in England. It appeared in Russia relatively recently, it is grown mainly in regions with a moderately warm climate. One of the most common hybrids is considered to be the species - Cupressocyparis Leylandii (Latin Сupressocyparis leylandii). This variety was obtained by crossing the Nutkan cypress and the large-fruited cypress (Latin Сupressus macrocarpa x Chamaesuraris nootkatensis).
The resulting hybrids and their characteristics
Cupressocyparis Leylanda is an evergreen columnar tree up to 20 m high with a symmetrical dense crown and shoots hanging down. Differs in rapid growth, growth up to 1.5 m per year. The leaves are similar in shape and color to the leaves of Cypress, but when rubbed, they emit a less intense aroma. The branches are thin, long and relatively delicate. Cones are small, covered with scales. The seeds are equipped with tiny projections.
Cupressocyparis has twelve clones. The most common:
* Robinson`s gold is a hybrid obtained by accident. It boasts a squat wide-size crown of green color and high growth. Leaves at a young age are bronze-yellow, with time they acquire a yellow-golden hue.
* Сastlewellan gold - is characterized by winter hardiness and wind resistance. Possesses reddish-yellow shoots. It was received back in 1963. It does not have any special requirements for growing conditions.
* Leithon green - represented by loose trees with a distinctly visible main shoot and unevenly spaced
flat-lying branches. Leaves are yellowish green or light green.
* Green spire - represented by weakly columnar trees with light yellow leaves and branches located at different distances from each other.
* Haggerston gray - Cultivated in large quantities in England. Has loosely located branches of gray-green or green color.
The subtleties of growing
Cupressocyparis is shade-tolerant and undemanding to growing conditions. However, it develops better and actively bears fruit on fresh, moderately moist, mineral-rich soils. Acidity does not matter, both acidic and alkaline soils are acceptable. It tolerates drought easily, but needs rare watering, especially for young specimens. It is resistant to diseases and pests. Temperature changes also do not affect the growth of the culture.
It is not recommended to grow cupressocyparis on dry, waterlogged and calcareous soils. It is grown mainly by planting seedlings, they should be purchased only in proven nurseries. Less commonly, the culture is propagated by cuttings, which are cut in September and planted in containers filled with a mixture of coarse sand and peat. In open ground, planting is carried out after the plants have formed a well-developed root system.
